Working in Partnership with Thornhill Academy 

At Thornhill Academy, we recognise the vital role employers play in helping young people understand the world of work and prepare for their future careers. 

We are committed to providing meaningful employer encounters and work-related learning opportunities throughout students' five years at the Academy. By working closely with local, regional and national employers, we help students develop their understanding of different industries, career pathways and the skills valued in the workplace. 

Through our partnership with the North East Learning Partnership and a wide range of employers, training providers and education partners, students benefit from experiences that broaden their aspirations and support informed career decisions. 

One of our key annual events is our Futures Fair, which provides an opportunity for employers, colleges, universities, apprenticeship providers and training organisations to engage directly with students and discuss future opportunities. 

How Employers Can Support Our Students 

We are always keen to develop new partnerships and would welcome support from employers who can offer: 

• Careers talks and presentations 
• Assembly or classroom-based guest speaking opportunities 
• Industry workshops and practical activities 
• Mock interviews 
• Student mentoring 
• Workplace visits 
• Work experience placements 
• Apprenticeship information sessions 
• Support for careers events and enterprise activities 
• Sponsorship or resources for careers-related projects 

These experiences help students develop essential employability skills, raise aspirations and gain valuable insight into the opportunities available to them after school. 

Why Get Involved? 

By working with Thornhill Academy, employers can: 

• Inspire the next generation of talent 
• Promote their industry and career opportunities 
• Support social mobility within the local community 
• Develop links with future employees 
• Contribute to high-quality careers education and guidance 

Contact Us 

If you are interested in supporting our careers programme, we would be delighted to hear from you. 

Mrs Cherry Crooks - Assistant Principal and Careers Leader 
✉️ cherry.crooks@consilium-at.com 

Kathryn Hewitt - Enterprise Adviser at Penshaw View Training 
✉️ kathryn.hewitt@penshawview.co.uk 

We welcome conversations with employers of all sizes and from all sectors who are interested in helping our students develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed for future success.

Please click the link below to learn more about how you can support our students.

 

Careers Curriculum 

The Careers Curriculum at Thornhill Academy is driven by our aims to provide pupils the opportunities, support and information they need in order to make informed decisions and achieve long term financial well-being. 

We are working towards achieving the eight Gatsby Benchmarks identified as the core dimensions of good careers and enterprise provision in schools: GATSBY BENCHMARKS 

These benchmarks form the backbone of the DFE's guidance for delivering careers education in schools. 

The DfE sets out why these benchmarks are important: 

• “Every school and college should have an embedded programme of career education and guidance that is known and understood by students, parents, teachers, governors and employers” 

• “All teachers should link curriculum learning with careers.” 

• “The curriculum offers excellent opportunities for developing the knowledge and skills that employers need and subject teachers can be powerful role models to attract pupils towards their subject and the careers that flow from it. Schools should ask all teachers to support the career development of young people in their tutorial role and through their subject teaching” 

Below is a sample of our current partnerships with employers across the region.